Thunderbird Motel

2.5 star property
Motel with free parking, a quick walk to Breakwater Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Thunderbird Motel

Beach nearby
Studio Suite, 1 King Bed | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets
Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed | Living area
Interior entrance
Exterior

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
132 Kearney Ave, Seaside Heights, NJ, 08751
  • Place, Casino Pier
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Seaside Heights Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Ortley Beach
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Belmar, NJ (BLM-Monmouth Executive)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Room options

Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(26 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Comfort Room, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Comfort Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Studio Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Seaside Heights

Thunderbird Motel places you within a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions such as Breakwater Beach and Casino Pier. This 31-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Casino Pier - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Breakwater Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Seaside Heights Beach - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Seaside Park Beach - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Ortley Beach - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Belmar, NJ (BLM-Monmouth Executive) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪EJ's Tavern - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Aztec Bar - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Captain Hooks - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Three Brothers From Italy Pizza - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Jersey Roll - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Motel

Motel with free parking, a quick walk to Breakwater Beach
If you decide to drive, there's free parking. Staff members can answer questions about accommodations, and also provide front-desk service during limited hours.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Microwaves are also included. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps

Parking and transportation

  • Free covered self parking on site

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25.00
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 25

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between September 1 and April 30.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Early check-in fee: USD 25.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-9:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Thunderbird Motel Motel
Thunderbird Motel Seaside Heights
Thunderbird Motel Motel Seaside Heights

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Thunderbird Motel?

Thunderbird Motel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do close to Thunderbird Motel?

Guests positively rate the motel's walkable location in Seaside Heights, and it's a short 4-minute walk from Seaside Heights Boardwalk and also 11 minutes on foot from Seaside Heights Beach. You'll also find Breakwater Beach and Casino Pier less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Thunderbird Motel?

Yes, covered self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Thunderbird Motel include a casino?

No, Thunderbird Motel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Thunderbird Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Are there hot tubs at Thunderbird Motel?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Thunderbird Motel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Thunderbird Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Thunderbird Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Thunderbird Motel.

Does Thunderbird Motel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

What is the closest airport to Thunderbird Motel?

The closest major airport to Thunderbird Motel is Belmar, NJ (BLM-Monmouth Executive), which is 18.1 mi away (30 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Thunderbird Motel?

Yes, some guestrooms at Thunderbird Motel offer a balcony.

Reviews

Thunderbird Motel Reviews

8.0

Very Good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 251 out of 595 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 173 out of 595 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 595 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 52 out of 595 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 595 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Josh

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Thunderbird offered just what it shows. A reasonable priced clean though dated room to sleep in with quick access to the jersey shore.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Xiangie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The room was clean and the check in was quick. The AC worked pretty well and the staff was friendly. I guess you get what you pay for. The beds were flimsy and not very comfortable, the room did not have a working cable box. The bathroom was extremely small to where the space between the toilet and the bathtub was super tight. I guess for a 1 night is ok but I would not stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Lori

Liked: Staff & service
The hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

disappointed!

This hotel is close to everything, however, the condition of the hotel is horrible. Rooms are super old. Air conditioner is a stand alone unit that we had to empty dirty water from and the room was super hot. The entire hotel looks run down and rooms need updating in the worst way.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Nicholas

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking was great. Like a few others have said. It does stink like cleaner. And i believe there may have been some mold in some areas. It seems like it was never renovated after sandy but just cleaned. Nonetheless it was clean enough for the price. Its a budget motel. Bed was pretty terrible. Water pressure in the shower was great. Water did get hot. I stayed 3 nights and only saw staff on the first night. It wouldve been nice to get some fresh towels. But after checkin i never saw anyone ever again. Honestly, its good for the money. If i paid more for the room i wouldve been upset. But it was cheap enough that i believe the price was on par with what you get. Remember everyone. Its one of the cheapest spots on seaside for a reason.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was super helpful and nice, our room was clean and the location was great. 5 minute walk to the boardwalk and beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Ac was insanely loud sounded like a helicopter and banged when it went on and off
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great!

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lani

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Clean & Affordable

The service was great & the room was very clean. We had a really good 2 night stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was 2 blocks from the beach/Pier. We love it. It's an old hotel not perfect. The only complaint we had was the bed was very hard...
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A block from the beach, quiet and the owners are WONDERFUL!!! They are so accommodating and nice it’s unbelievable. I would definitely stay here again. The one down side is the bed isn’t the coziest but totally worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Would surely return.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

MaKena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing stay! Staff super friendly, very close to boardwalk, clean and spacious room, felt very safe, bed bug covers, microwave, fridge, etc. Owner let us park there when we got there at 10am even though we couldn’t check in until 3pm. Our one night here was great and we will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mossimo

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The place was a little rundown and old. The furniture was stained. The couch was broken. The lock on the door was very flimsy. The place is well lit at night. The water is hot. The pillows were fluffy and not flat. It’s only two blocks from the beach. The manager was friendly. The room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Clean and centrally located

Clean room in a centrally located area. Noisy at night w hearing footsteps above and the sounds of machinery - maybe air con from other rooms? Served well as a clean place for a shower and bed, no more
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Angel, Pearl River

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ok for one night
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

July 4th Getaway

The Thunderbird was very clean and met the needs of myself and my two adult children for the extended July 4th weekend. Close to everything , we walked everywhere. Be aware if bringing more than one vehicle, as motel only allows one vehicle and free overnight parking, or any parking at all is hard to find in town during the summer. The room could have used some organization items. There was nowhere to hang towels. No shelves in the bathroom to keep your toiletries, or even a spare roll of toilet paper. Only an open shelf unit with 6 hangers to store anything in the room, so we were living out of our suitcases spread out over the floor. One tiny table in between the beds. We enjoyed our stay, it was just a bit chaotic in the room.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cassidy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This motel was amazing!! Stayed here for the week of the 4th of July and could not have been happier. There was a kitchenette with a full-sized fridge, clean rooms, plenty of towels, and even 3 locks on the door to assure you feel safe (normal, deadbolt, and a chain lock). Not that you need it because the area felt safe, but it’s nice to have that regardless. About a 5 minute walk to the beach. The staff was above and beyond. They provided us with an extra parking pass we requested, gave us a rundown of the place, and even helped us carry up our luggage to the second floor! I will 100% be staying here again when I return to Seaside.
Bedroom
Bathroom
Bed
Living room
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Eric

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel manager and staff were wonderful, really demonstrated an actual concern to address any issues that enabled us to have a wonderful stay. The queen studio was a nice size, separate bedroom from the kitchen/living room. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Dakota

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good and convenient stay

The hotel is affordable and close to the boardwalk, we enjoyed our stay will be coming back to seaside to stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

LESLIE

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Love this Gem

Never disappoints! Great stay as always! New pullout couches would be a good investment because just a little to lumpy and uncomfortable sleeping on the bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Augusto

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helena, Wallington

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025